Motorcycles are a fun and rewarding hobby, especially in a state like Arizona with stunning vistas and roads perfect for riding. However, motorcycle accidents have the potential to be much more deadly than typical auto accidents. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you need to be aware of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona and how to avoid them. If you have questions about motorcycle accident causes and liability, reach out to a motorcycle accident attorney for answers.
Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents
According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Arizona in 2023 were collisions with other vehicles (1,980), overturning (474), collisions with fixed objects (419), and collisions with non-fixed objects (223):
- Motor Vehicle Collisions – Collisions with cars, trucks, and other motor vehicles are the most common cause of both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. Often, these accidents are due to negligent motorists violating traffic laws or operating their vehicles unsafely.
- Overturning – Overturning accidents occur when a rider loses balance and their bike flips over. Overturning accidents may happen due to rider inexperience, swerves after near-misses, and poor road conditions.
- Fixed-Object Collisions – Fixed-object collisions include collisions with static objects, like telephone poles, highway guardrails, property, and other fixed structures. Fixed-object collisions happen due to distracted operation or unsafe road design.
- Non-Fixed-Object Collisions – Collisions with non-fixed objects include collisions with parked vehicles, trams, trains, construction equipment, and other large non-fixed objects.
Factors That Contribute to Motorcycle Accidents
Some other common contributing factors also affect motorcycle accidents in Arizona:
- Bad Weather – Bad weather like rain, fog, heavy wind, or low-light conditions can make accidents more likely because they reduce reaction times and impact bike handling.
- Road Conditions – Hazardous road conditions from negligent maintenance, such as wetness or potholes, can contribute to accidents.
- Drug or Alcohol Use – Drug and alcohol use impair judgment and make motorcycle accidents more likely.
Common Injuries from Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders have minimal safety protections and are exposed to road hazards. As such, crashes can cause catastrophic injuries, including:
- Road rash and abrasions
- Bruising and soft-tissue injury
- Sprain and muscle/tendon strains
- Cuts and lacerations
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Foot and ankle injuries
- Facial and dental injuries
- Degloving injuries
- Thermal and chemical burns
- Torso and chest trauma
- Internal injuries and organ damage
Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of suffering fatal head injuries, but a helmet won’t provide much protection against some types of injuries.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you get into a motorcycle accident, the priority is documenting the scene. Take pictures of your injuries and accident features, and get the other motorist’s contact and insurance information. If available, ask the responding officer for a copy of the police accident report.
Next, schedule a doctor’s appointment to diagnose your injuries. You’ll need hard copies of all medical documentation when you file an insurance claim, including hospital bills, diagnostic work, lab reports, and imaging results. Lastly, contact a motorcycle accident attorney. They can guide you through the next steps of the claims process and negotiate a settlement with insurers.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Arizona
Valley Injury Team comprises a powerhouse legal team you can rely on for effective legal counsel. We have extensive experience managing motorcycle accident claims and can tackle your case with confidence and commitment. We prioritize personalized attention and have the resources to pursue your claim to the fullest extent.
Contact our offices online or call today for a case consultation with a motorcycle accident attorney in Arizona.
